Kari’s Thoughts

I received some bad news this past Friday. After nearly three-and-a-half years with GMR Marketing, I was laid off. The news came just a day before I was to return from my maternity leave.

The economy is to blame for the layoff. My past clients, ING and New Balance, currently do not have any projects with GMR and if there are no clients, there is no work.

I was really disappointed because I had received a call from GMR on Thursday, saying that there was a project for me to work on–a project in marathon sponsorships (my specialty.) But then I got a call back on Friday saying that GMR moved someone else into the position and it was no longer available.

I was told, “Hopefully we can bring you back soon.” I hope that is indeed the case. The good news (if there is any good news) is that I leave GMR in very good standing with an excellent performance record.

Obviously, this layoff couldn’t come at a worse time. We have a brand new house, car, furniture, and most importantly, baby. But, we will be OK. We’ll tighten the purse strings and trade steak and shrimp for hot dogs and ramen, but we’ll survive.

And now I’ll begin the job hunt. I love staying home with Elliott, but the bills need to be paid. Plus, I don’t think I was ever cut out to be a full-time stay-at-home mom.

I’m looking for a full or part-time position in marketing, special event planning, community or media relations, or athletic management. Please let me know if you hear of any openings!

This past Saturday, Homer, Elliott and my friend Jen took part in the 8th Annual Strides for Lupus Walk at the Mount Mary College campus in Milwaukee.  What a beautiful day for a 3-mile walk! 

Homer, Elliott & Kari at the 2009 Strides for Lupus Walk.

Kari & Jen

Last year, we put together “Team KP Dawson” with more than 40 of our family and friends, but because of the troubling economy and all of the other excitement the Dawson family has had lately, I decided not to form a team this year. 

Homer--being the good Dad that he is--made sure Elle had one of the balloons at the start line!

As you may know, I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus in December 2007.  Both conditions are auto-immune diseases in which the body produces antibodies that recognize the joints and some organs as invaders and attacks them.  While I was pregnant, the condition was in remission and my body (except for the standard pregnancy stuff) felt great. But about five weeks after Elliott was born, it came back with a vengeance.  The pain varies by day, but I experience the most trouble in my toes, ankles, fingers, knees, lower back and neck.  I also have regular tightness and pressure in my chest and lungs. Sometimes my face is extremely dry and patchy. 

I am on two drugs to control the pain and slow down the joint damage–prednisone and hydroxychloroquine.  Prednisone assists with the pain. My rheumatologist says the hydroxychloroquine is basically a patch on a leaky roof–I need something better and stronger.  The ideal drug is called methotrexate. However, it’s proven to cause birth defects in developing babies and cannot be taken if a mom is breastfeeding. The other drugs–administered through injections or IV–like Enbrel, Humira, and Remicaid–are also excellent options, but are very expensive and not fully covered by insurance.

So, for now, I deal with the pain and keep a positive attitude. It’s not so bad once I get moving, but in the morning–woo–I feel like an 89-year-old lady trying to move around.

Next year I plan to bring back Team KP Dawson for the Strides for Lupus Walk, so expect an email from me sometime in the Spring!

This past Saturday I ran my very first 5k since giving birth to Elliott. In fact, it’s the first race I’ve run since last August. Before that, I was running about one race each week.  It was really tough for me when I had to hang up the sneakers for awhile.  But, I’m back! 

I ran the Laura’s Smile Mile 5k at Veteran’s Park at the lakefront. I love this race because it benefits the Ovarian Cancer Alliance and it makes me feel good to do a race that supports a worthy cause.  I felt pretty good during the run, despite the 46-degree temperature and high winds. I definitely didn’t set any personal records, but I finished the race. It was a good five minutes slower than I was running a year ago, but it’s a start.  Hell, I only gave birth 10 weeks ago. 

Because of that, I am really proud of myself.  I am proud that instead of sitting home upset about my weight gain and overall out-of-shapeness, I am doing something about it.  Lately, my RA has been really bad too. Somedays it’s difficult to walk, move my arms or fingers or bend my ankles.  But, I’m not using that as an excuse. I’m fighting through it.

Someday, I want Elliott to look at me and who I was after I gave birth to her and be proud. I want her to know I am choosing to be healthy and fit and active for her.  I can’t wait to take her running, teach her all about sports, and coach her teams.

As for now, I will push on. I’ve been getting up between 5 and 6 a.m. lately to go for my run before Elliott gets up. Hopefully this will continue to work as I head back to work on the 22nd.

And next up on the running schedule–the St. Mary’s Elm Grove 5k on Friday night. Wish me luck!